How to rock the tie-free summer look

A formal look is incomplete without a tie. or is it?

Men often complain about having to wear ties with suits during summers, as they only add to the feeling of discomfort. To maintain a formal look without a tie, one has to ensure that the suit has a perfect fit and the undershirt is concealed. Read on to find out how you can make this look work for you.
Go collar-less
Ditch the regular collar shirt with one in mandarin style. This way, it is not expected of you to wear a tie. In case you're getting this shirt tailored, then go for a similar shade of the collar as the suit. For instance, if you are wearing a navy blue suit, then get a white shirt with a navy blue collar band made. This will add elegance to the look while keeping it formal.
Polo game
Wear a polo neck T-shirt instead of a shirt, as it has the collar that can lend a formal look. Make sure the T-shirt is absolutely plain and does not have any big logo.

Button Up
Keep the buttons closed all the way to the top. This is super chic and, at the same time, helps you avoid a tie. If you are opting for this look, take it a step further and avoid a plain shirt. Try to wear a striped or a floral shirt for a look that will be fun yet formal.
Collar and Placket
Wearing a shirt with some details would go a long way here. Make sure these match the colour of your suit. The placket and collar should be firm and crisp to hold the shirt up, giving a good structure under the jacket. Leave one or two top buttons open but ensure the shirt collar stays in place to give a clean formal look.

Accessorise
Give up your tie but not other accessories. Wear an interesting pocket square, cuff links, belt, shiny shoes or a nice lapel pin to maintain the formal look. Avoid overdoing it by picking a maximum of two statement accessories to keep your look classic.

As a designer, I have always maintained that summers are fun and one must wear the right colours to keep the look exciting. Shades like mauve, orange rind, lime and grass green will add a spark to your look. Here's to a tie-free summer then!
wknd@khaleejtimes.com